Take a practical driving test with an authorised driving examiner

To get your P plates, you must pass your practical driving test. This step is part of getting your driver licence.

You must take the test by booking with an authorised driving examiner.

Before you book

Before booking and sitting your driving test, you:

• should read the following guide:
  • a guide to the driving test DOCX (3.5 MB)
  • a guide to the driving test PDF (938.4 KB)
• must hold your learner driver licence continuously for at least 6 months.

If you want to use your own car for the test, it must be roadworthy and registered.

Before the test

You should:

• aim to arrive at the test location at least 10 minutes before the test
• bring your current learner licence.

If you haven’t received your driver licence in the mail, you can:

• use your licence receipt and
• provide your photo ID so the examiner can verify your identity.

During the test

The driving examiner will sit in the front passenger seat while you take your driving test on the road. The test will take about 40 minutes.

The driving examiner will assess your:

• observation skills - use of mirrors, blind spot checks
• speed management
• road positioning
• decision-making
• response to hazards
• vehicle control.

Recording the test

During the test, a camera will be used to record:

• the road environment in front of the car
• you and your driving examiner inside the vehicle.

To ensure that driving tests are conducted to the required standard, the authorised driving examiner must record all driving tests.

Your driving examiner is required to hold on to the recording for up to 6 months following your driving test.

Immediate failures

Any of the following may result in the immediate failure of your test:

• failing to obey traffic lights, signs or road markings
• failing to give way
• driving without due care, attention or consideration for other road users, or in a dangerous manner
• exceeding the speed limit
• doing something that causes the driving examiner to intervene to prevent a crash or dangerous situation
• failing or refusing to follow reasonable directions from the driving examiner.

Code of practice

Your examiner must follow a set of principles and guidelines known as a code of practice:

Code of practice for NT driving instructors and driving examiners PDF (279.8 KB)
Code of practice for NT driving instructors and driving examiners DOCX (662.8 KB)

After the test

The driving examiner will tell you at the end whether you have passed your driving test.

If you don't pass the test, you can re-book another test.

If you passed the test, the results will remain valid for 12 months. If you don't upgrade your learner licence within this period, you must complete another practical driving test.

Read how to get your driver licence.

Contact

To find out more, contact the MVR.